Make routine the key to your Zzzs

Want to rest easy?

Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, “no matter what.” Sleep is the Swiss Army knife of health, explains neuroscientist Matthew Walker, director of the Center for Human Sleep Science at the University of California, Berkeley. “No matter the ailment, it’s more likely sleep has a tool within the box that will see you well.” Problem is that 97 percent of young people don’t get enough. How much is enough? Shoot for nine hours—more or less. Dr. Walker has lots of bedtime tips—avoid screens, dim lights an hour before bed, lower the thermostat—but keeping things regular tops his list of advice.